Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Malecha. All commissioners were present. Malecha led the pledge of allegiance.
The only scheduled item of business was a report by Dennis Luebbe on highway construction plans in the county. Luebbe gave some notes to Commissioners which were projected on the screen.
Decker Avenue corridor study
MNDOT will NOT help fund a roundabout at Decker Avenue and Highway 19 due to the inadequate traffic volume. (19 is a state highway, earmarked this last January for a $25 million federal grant for resurfacing, some widening and other mprovements.) Some other government entities may nevertheless wish to pursue creating such a roundabout. Next steps would begin with a plat, which would involve some cost. Commissioners Peters and Purfeerst asked about timing. Luebbe indicated it is definitely not in the next couple of years but perhaps in 10 years. He pointed out that in combination with other planned improvements, a roundabout at Decker might help create a ring-road around Northfield and thus save money in the long run by redirecting traffic. Commissioner Malecha commented that we should explicitly inform MNDOT that the County DOES want such a roundabout, realistically perhaps by 2030.
Peters asked how many roads the County manages. Purfeerst asked what state money we get. Luebbe pointed to the fact that nearly all bridges in the county have been funded by the state bonding, after design and planning work by the County.
County Road 9 interchange at I-35
This project has been identified as a high priority since 2005. Based on the study, two possible designs are being evaluated. The project will be funded by a partnership between the state of Minnesota and the federal government.
County Road 20
Scheduled for a contract to be awarded in 2027, this project was let for bids last week.
County Road 78 and Armstrong Road
Scheduled for 2028. After it is built, this project will be turned over to the Department of Natural Resources.
Elko New Market
This project along County Road 86 is in Scott County but it involves a watershed and so will impact us.
Highway 46
Well underway, this project is set to deliver in 2025.
North Cedar
This project is in our 10-year plan.
Purfeerst asked if the Decker project might replace this one for Cedar.
Signage
Luebbe reported that 20% of all highway signs were replaced in 2024, amounting to 1,270 signs. He also remarked with some satisfaction that all diesel equipment started today, a very cold day.
Purfeerst mentioned some signage problems for emergency vehicles, and Luebbe said townships are responsible for rural intersections. Some do need replacement. Hoisington asked whether emergency workers need signage replaced. The sheriff said his people use GPS but Fire and Rescue needs signs to be current and readable.
Development
In Lonsdale at County 96 a new development is planned for 104 lots, as well as another one in Elko New Market.
Peters asked if the County manages drainage, and Luebbe said it’s an issue the developer has to accommodate.
Staffing
Hoisington asked if current departmental staffing is adequate and Luebbe said yes for now but he may need more in ‘27-’28. Buying parcels of land or right of way requires a lot of appraisals, which typically cost $2,000 each. It might be better to hire a right-of-way agent instead of outsourcing the appraisals.
Another item not on the agenda
A representative of the Circle Lake Association described their efforts to clean up the lake. Phosphorus levels are ten times healthy levels and create algae blooms. Many cleanup methods have been tried. The Association is asking the Board for a letter to Representative Angie Craig in support of obtaining a grant of $3.2 million from the federal government, which would clean the lake up for 3 to 5 years. Around one hundred households are involved around the lake
The Commissioners seemed receptive.
The meeting was adjourned.
